September 11, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued new directives, prohibiting pilots from taking off with disruptive passengers on board an aircraft, unless the issue has been resolved amicably.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, who issued the directive during a meeting with domestic airline representatives on Wednesday, said the decision is part of measures to enhance safety and discipline in the aviation industry.
“Pilots are not to depart until disruptive passengers are removed from the aircraft or the matter is settled amicably, adding that the measure will help protect cabin crew and encourage passengers to treat them respectfully”, he said.
Represented by Captain Chris Najomo, the Director-General, Civil Aviation, Achimugu, who emphasised that passengers have no right to assault cabin crew, said such incidents often escalate due to pilots’ failure to exercise authority.
He urged cabin crew to uphold professionalism, stressing that “crew members must avoid being rude, and that passengers should not mistake their firmness for discourtesy.”
During the meeting, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the Director-General and a Deputy General Manager (Flight Operation and Adjudication), warned airlines of penalties for failing to promptly inform passengers or provide proper care during flight delays and cancellations.
Other key issues discussed included passenger handling procedures, pending refund and compensation claims, enforcement of rules requiring phones to be switched off, and the need to safeguard cabin crew members.
Airlines present at the meeting are Arik Air, Air Peace, Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, United Nigeria Airlines, Green Africa Airways, Max Air, Rano Air, ValueJet, and Overland Airways.
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